Senior Night Goes Wittenberg's Way On Last Second Goal

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - Before the 2015 season finale, the Wittenberg Tigers celebrated the careers of seniors Zack Moore (Kettering, Ohio/Alter), Ross Cirincione (Medina, Ohio/Medina) and Alen Valentic (Kirtland, Ohio/Kirtland). Just seconds before the final horn, the Tigers had even more to celebrate as freshman Austin Lewis (New Carlisle, Ohio/Tecumseh) scored a most unlikely game-winner for a 2-1 victory over Wooster.

Lewis' goal completed a second-half rally for the Tigers, who finished the season with records of 4-12-3 overall and 1-7-1 in the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC). Wittenberg had trailed 1-0 at halftime, but Lewis not only tallied inside the final 10 seconds, but he assisted on the game-tying goal by freshman Nick Gutlove (Canton, Ohio/IMG Academy (Fla.)) at the 74:39 mark.

Wooster saw its season end with records of 3-13-2 overall and 1-7-1 in the NCAC.

Moore, a starting forward who has played all over the pitch during his collegiate career, Cirincione, a starting defender, and Valentic, a midfielder who has missed a great deal of time the last few seasons due to injury, went out on a high note thanks in part to a stellar defensive effort by the Tigers. After allowing a Wooster goal in the 32nd minute, the Tiger defense stiffened, leading to numerous attacking opportunities at the other end.

It was Wittenberg's 25th and final shot of the game that proved decisive. Wooster finished with 21 shots, including five that were saved by Tiger freshman goalkeeper Jack Snider (Beavercreek, Ohio/Beavercreek). The Tigers were awarded nine corner kicks in the game, compared to five for Wooster.

Written By: Ryan Maurer